Excessive Nosebleeds: Causes, When to Seek Medical Help & Symptoms

If your nosebleed does not stop after 15-20 minutes of continuous pressure, or if it is very heavy or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Signs of a severe nosebleed include:

- Bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes

- Heavy or continuous bleeding

- Bleeding that is accompanied by severe pain

- Dizziness or lightheadedness

- Feeling faint or fainting

- Vomiting or nausea

- Coughing up blood

- Shortness of breath

- Difficulty speaking or swallowing

In cases of severe nosebleed, medical attention is necessary to stop the bleeding and to identify and treat the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

- Nasal packing: This involves packing the nose with materials (such as gauze or nasal tampons) to absorb blood and promote clot formation.

- Cautery: This involves using an electrical device to seal the bleeding blood vessels in the nose.

- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a structural abnormality or to remove a foreign object that is causing the bleeding.

- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nose and to help stop the bleeding.